Board adopts updated educational‑technology policy with amendment to 'reduce potential harm'

The Montgomery County Board of Education granted final approval on May 21 to an updated Policy IGS governing educational technology after accepting a boardmember amendment to emphasize reducing potential harms.

Vice President Brenda Wolff, chairing the Policy Management Committee, presented the package that had been through committee review and public comment. Boardmember Miss Stewart moved an amendment inserting the phrase "while reducing potential harm" into a sentence that reaffirms equitable access to technology; the amendment passed on a roll call and was incorporated into the final policy language. The board then approved the updated educational‑technology policy in final action.

Legal staff confirmed regulations and more detailed protocols will follow the policy to guide age‑appropriate, equitable and responsible implementation, including anticipated regulatory work on artificial intelligence and emerging tools. Several board members sought definitions and clarity on enforcement and asked staff to ensure regulations are sufficiently specific to provide notice to staff and families.

The board also adopted policy BFA (Policy Setting) with no additional changes, clearing procedural guidance on how the board develops and revises policies.